How to Remove Rubber Cement From Wood

Kaye Wagner

If you've accidentally gotten rubber cement on your wood floor or furniture, you'll need to remove it as soon as you can to make sure it doesn't ruin the look of the piece. The glue can also continue to attract dust and dirt. One problem when removing any adhesive is choosing solvents that will not damage the wood's varnish or stain. Only use mineral spirits as a last resort if all other methods fail.

Step 1

Scrape the rubber cement with the back of a plastic spoon. If the rubber cement has not dried fully, you may be able to remove most of it this way.

Step 2

Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth.

Step 3

Dab the rubbing alcohol onto the rubber cement. Rubbing alcohol will not damage the wood but it may dry it out. Avoid getting it on the wood.

Step 4

Apply a very small amount of mineral spirits to a clean cloth.

Step 5

Rub the cloth over the rubber cement stain, but do not touch the wood as the mineral spirits can remove the varnish and stain.